Eosinophils are elevated in a child, what does this mean? Why are eosinophils elevated in a child's blood? Eosinophilia in children causes an increase

The number of eosinophils in children is normally slightly higher than in adults (up to 8% in newborns, up to 5-6% in the age of one to five years).

Reactive (secondary) eosinophilia- an increased number of eosinophils (up to 10-15%) with a normal or slightly increased number of leukocytes - in children it accompanies the same diseases as in adults, but is more common in a number of allergic conditions. Due to the increased permeability of the gastrointestinal barrier in a young child (and with some constitutional features of metabolism in older children), enteral sensitization with trophoallergens plays a particularly important role. Eosinophilia in children is a companion of a number of allergic conditions and syndromes: pronounced skin manifestations of exudative diathesis, asthmatic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, urticaria, etc. It is possible that eosinophilia observed in skin lesions such as neurodermatitis, Quincke's edema, desquamative scarlatinoform erythema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, some forms of dermatoses, etc., is associated with the formation in the skin of large amounts of histamine and histamine-like substances, to which eosinophils experience tropism. Eosinophilia is a constant symptom in a number of toxic and allergic exanthems, including those caused by medications (calomel, sulfa drugs, penicillin, streptomycin, liver preparations, serum, etc.). Eosinophilia is characteristic of rare congenital diseases - familial pigmentary dermatosis Bloch-Sulzberger, Aldrich syndrome and a number of endocrinopathies (acromegaly, Simmonds syndrome and hypocorticism).

From the second year of life, eosinophilic reactions become important in the development of an infectious process (scarlet fever, tuberculosis of the hepatolienal systems l, gonococcal infection), as well as during the period of convalescence after hepatitis, lobar pneumonia, etc. The course of some "big collagen diseases" and a number of infectious - allergic conditions (nodular periarteritis, nonspecific polyarthritis, septic endocarditis, hemorrhagic vasculitis, etc.) may be accompanied by eosinophilia.

Other causes of large eosinophilia in children are the same as in adults.

Systemic (primary) eosinophilia in diseases of the hematopoietic organs in children is very rare (lymphogranulomatosis, eosinophilic leukemia).

Constitutional and congenital familial eosinophilia are sometimes observed in apparently healthy children.

Reduced and increased eosinophils in the blood of a child is an extremely important indicator of the health of a developing organism, which, if necessary, signals the manifestation of a number of diseases of various etiologies. These cells are a type of white blood cell that carry out the elimination of multiple pathogens that have penetrated the barriers of the immune system.

Moving with the help of pseudopods, a small mass, as well as a streamlined shape of the body together contribute to a more unhindered and active introduction of protective granular structures into inflamed tissues with further suppression of disease pathogens. What can tell the level of eosinophils? What aspects of hematological analysis need to be taken into account in order to correctly interpret the results?

Table with valid indicators

In the final forms of blood diagnostics, the results are expressed in 2 forms: one of them involves a quantitative count of individual eosinophilic cells located in 1 ml of biomaterial, and the other is the percentage of the total number of all leukocytes. In order not to get confused in the notation, it is recommended to pay attention to the units of measurement indicated in brackets:

Sometimes protective granulocytes are referred to as the Latin abbreviation "EO". The detection of an extremely small deviation of eosinophils from the given indicators, for example, by hundredths or tenths, is usually not a cause for concern. Often, in the results issued, parents can see the discrepancy between the content of many blood cells and the prescribed standards.

In fact, comparative laboratory tables often indicate acceptable variations only for an adult. Therefore, it is the pediatrician who is familiar with the characteristics of each age category of underage patients and their indicators will be able to decipher the extract in detail.

Reasons for the increased content of cells

A pathological increase in eosinophils in the blood of a child under 2–3 years of age may indicate diseases of a predominantly inflammatory, autoimmune or infectious nature:

staphylococcus;
anemia;
bronchial asthma;
tuberculosis;
colitis;
laryngeal stenosis;
atopic eczema;
pneumonia;
Wilms tumor (malignant kidney disease);
allergic rhinitis;
angioedema;
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus);
scarlet fever;
tracheitis;
hemolytic disease (breakdown of blood cells);
sepsis transmitted from the mother;
pemphigus (or pemphigus);
measles;
allergy to various drugs (found everywhere);
laryngitis;
carcinoma;
lymphoblastic leukemia;
Hodgkin's disease (proliferation of large cellular structures of the lymphoid system).

If a pregnant woman had a Rh conflict during gestation (incompatibility of the mother and her child according to the Rh factor), then the eosinophil count increases again.

When a baby gets chickenpox (chickenpox), a moderately high level of granulocytes will be indicated in his hematological analysis.

In children older than 3–4 years, an increase in eosinophils already indicates a greater number of pathologies:

angioedema;
gastritis;
contact dermatitis;
mononucleosis;
scleroderma (thickening of the skin);
hives;
hay fever (allergic rhinitis or runny nose);
vulgar psoriasis;
pancreatitis;
vasculitis;
stomach ulcer;
gonorrhea;
lymphoma;
systemic lupus;
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (a disease characterized by a severe decrease in platelets in the blood and suppression of the immune system, which manifests itself exclusively in males);
cirrhosis of the liver;
pleurisy of the lungs.

Among the most common are chlamydia, ascaris, giardia, nematodes, trichinella, hookworms, histolytic amoebae, toxoplasma, bovine tapeworm, malarial plasmodia, broad tapeworms and echinococci. Infection with opisthorchs, in turn, is fraught with the most serious consequences, since these flatworms are located mainly in the gallbladder, pancreas and liver, subjecting them to slow destruction. Hypereosinophilia is described in more detail in this article.

Why are eosinophils low in the blood?

A critically low content of blood cells or their complete absence is called eosinopenia. It is observed against the background of the following ailments:

advanced leukemia;
cholecystitis;
acute gallstone disease;
poisoning with such chemical elements as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, phenol, bismuth and copper;
appendicitis;
suppuration;
primary stage of myocardial infarction;
pancreatitis;
varicose eczema.

If a child is constantly exposed to stress or periodic emotional upheavals, an eosinophil deficiency will show this with a high degree of probability.

Natural changes in the number of formed elements

If a woman prefers to feed a newborn baby not with breast milk, but exclusively with purchased mixtures based on cow's milk, then she needs to be prepared for the fact that the baby's immunity can react quite sharply to the replacement of natural multivitamin with synthetic products. Most often, unnatural nutrition leads to an allergic reaction.

The transferred surgical operation also affects the composition of the blood of children: at least a week of rehabilitation will be accompanied by high eosinophils without harm to health. The adoption of a number of medications works in a similar way, including Papaverine, Aspirin and Penicillin.

Young girls 11-14 years old who have already experienced menarche - the first menstruation, may find in the laboratory extract an excess of the level of eosinophilic leukocytes, which will indicate the completely normal functioning of the rebuilding organism. The first 2-3 days of the menstrual cycle are characterized by a maximum jump in the content of eosinophils in the blood, their number will gradually decrease and return to normal after 5-7 days.

Often, a decrease in protective bodies is recorded after exhausting physical training. 2-4 days before the diagnosis, it is better to refrain from an active lifestyle. In order for the results of a hematological study not to be distorted, it is recommended to monitor the daily consumption of confectionery by children and adolescents on the eve of the procedure - the abuse of sweets will contribute to a temporary change in the structure of the biomaterial.

An important addition to all of the above: the concentration of eosinophils undergoes changes even in the absence of external influences. So, closer to the night, the indicator may exceed the limit of 20-25%, in the morning and in the first half of the day the parameter drops to the usual level. For this reason, experts try to prescribe a blood test for a maximum of 09:30 hours.

It is best to try to stabilize the child's diet for at least 2-3 days before the diagnosis of eosinophils, to add mainly vegetables, cereals, fruits, low-fat soups and salads to it - this will cleanse the intestines and blood

What to do if deviations are found?

According to Komarovsky Yevgeny Olegovich, a well-known Ukrainian pediatrician and host of a medical program, fathers and mothers should not be worried if, against the background of a slight increase in eosinophils, their children do not have any suspicious symptoms and complaints about the physiological state.

It is necessary without panic to visit the pediatrician again and, if necessary, an infectious disease specialist, nutritionist or allergist, ask questions of interest. Most likely, the child may be assigned a laboratory study of feces for helminthic invasion, as well as a biochemical blood test and testing for an allergic reaction.

If not a single diagnostic procedure has confirmed the presence of pathologies, then over the next 4-6 months you can not worry about the baby's condition. When the time comes, for the purpose of prevention, a control analysis should be carried out again. The calculation of the number of eosinophils is carried out by people almost manually, so the human factor cannot be ruled out either.

The health of the child for parents is the most valuable. In case of diseases, they begin to worry very much and take the baby to the doctors to find out the cause. Most often, the first step is to take tests in order, based on the results, to find out the cause and prescribe treatment.

If elevated in a child, this may indicate the appearance in the body of a new substance from which protection is required. To determine the exact cause, you need to go to the doctor and undergo a complete diagnosis of the whole organism.

Eosinophils are blood bodies, which are one of the varieties. Normative indicators in adults and children are different, and their violations may indicate different diseases.

Since eosinophils are one of the subtypes of leukocytes, they also perform a protective function. But they perform a special function - they clean the cells from pollution and foreign bodies. That is, they produce substances for cleaning tissues at the cellular level. In their composition, eosinophils have a very strong enzyme that dissolves the remains of pathogens that previously destroy white blood cells.

These bodies got their name due to the fact that they respond well to the eosin dye. Thanks to him, these bodies are perfectly manifested in the blood, and their number is clearly visible. Thus, in the laboratory it is quite easy to determine the level of bodies in the blood.In appearance, the eosinophil resembles a binucleated amoeba. Bodies easily overcome intracellular barriers and penetrate into tissues. At the same time, they do not stay in the blood for a long time, they stay for about an hour.

The action of these bodies is as follows: they are able to isolate and recognize foreign bodies.

In addition, eosinophils have another very important function - they accumulate phospholipase and histamine, which are necessary to destroy pathogenic foreign bacteria. That is, these substances are an integral part of immunity.

Diagnosis and norm in children by age

The level of leukocytes is diagnosed by, which is most often taken from the finger. But if you need to see a more accurate clinical picture, a specialist can send you to a biochemical analysis, which is taken from a vein.

In order for the results to be as accurate as possible, strong physical exertion is not recommended the day before the test. It is also important to follow the diet. There is no special diet, but it is not recommended to abuse salty, spicy, fatty and smoked foods. Although, it is desirable to use such products in small quantities, not only before blood sampling, but always, in order to improve well-being.

When the body is in a normal state, without the development of diseases and inflammatory processes, then the number of all types of leukocytes is the same, when the development of the disease begins, the body tries to overcome it, and for this the number of blood cells increases.

That is, if the level of eosinophils exceeds the norm, this indicates that active processes of combating pathogens are taking place in the body.

This type of leukocytes is determined as a percentage of other types.The average norm is considered to be + -5%. But do not forget that everything is individual.

For children of different ages and adults, there are different norms for eosinophils:

from birth to one month of age - 1.2 - 6.2%
from 1 to 12 months - 1.2% - 5.5%
up to 2.5 years norm - no more than 7.1%
up to 6 years of age - 6.3%
up to 12 years of age - 5.9%
over 12 years old - 5.1%

When eosinophils exceed the norm, this pathology is called eosinophilia. It is important to know that lifestyle and nutrition can affect the level of blood cells, and in the case of a strong difference, the doctor may prescribe a second one to confirm or refute this disease.

Reasons for the increase

Children's bodies are much more sensitive than adults. Therefore, as a reaction to foreign bodies, various reactions can often occur, one of which may be an increase in eosinophils. The most common causes are a reaction to new foods, which, in addition to eosinophilia, can be manifested by diathesis - a predisposition to the development of any disease, or an allergic reaction on the child's skin.

Also, when the number of leukocyte bodies in a children's blood test is increased, it may indicate the presence of worms of all kinds. Worms usually appear in case of neglect of the rules of personal hygiene, in contact with infected children or animals.

Other reasons for an increase in eosinophils may be:

skin diseases - dermatitis, diaper rash, psoriasis, mycosis, lichen - all that can provoke pathogenic microflora, in the fight against which the number of protective bodies in the blood increases
damage to the body or fungus
development of malignant tumors
magnesium deficiency
vascular diseases

In addition to the above, there may be many more reasons why the level of eosinophils also rises. To find out for what reason changes have occurred in the child's body, it is necessary to be examined by a specialist.Once the diagnosis is established, the doctor will prescribe an effective treatment.After completing the course, you will need to retake the test to find out if the level of blood cells has returned to normal.

With a strong increase in eosinophils, there may be diseases such as dermatitis, scarlet fever, or bronchial asthma. In children older than a year, with such a symptom, scarlet fever or tuberculosis may develop. It is because of this that elevated eosinophils cannot be ignored, but urgently go for diagnostics.

What to do? How to normalize an indicator

Before looking for ways to normalize eosinophils, it is necessary to establish the cause of their increase in a child. There are no specific treatments for eosinophilia. To understand the very reason that provoked the jump in leukocytes, it is necessary to undergo an additional examination.

Then, when the doctor has the whole clinical picture in his hands, he will be able to establish a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment. Only by curing the original disease, the level of leukocytes will return to normal.

After completing the course of treatment, it is recommended to take it again to make sure the effect of the treatment. In the case when, even after treatment, the indicators are above the norm, then experts recommend determining the level. Perhaps the cause of eosinophilia lies precisely in this.

More information about the blood test for eosinophils can be found in the video:

It is also necessary to understand that this problem should not be ignored and postponed "for later", because the pathogenic microflora multiplies very quickly and the baby may become worse.

In the end, I would like to note that with an increase in eosinophils, you should not panic. This is not bad, you can even say that it is good that the body in this way gives a signal about possible violations. To be constantly aware of the state of health of your baby, it is necessary to take tests and undergo a routine examination with a pediatrician or therapist at least 1-2 times a year. With such prevention, existing diseases can be detected in a timely manner and eradicated. Moreover, a child's body recovers much faster than an adult.

Functions of eosinophils

Places of localization of eosinophils: lungs, capillaries of the skin, gastrointestinal tract.

They fight foreign proteins by absorbing and dissolving them. Their main functions are:

antihistamine;
antitoxic;
phagocytic.

Norm

The rate of eosinophils is calculated by determining the level of cells as a percentage of the number of all white bodies. The acceptable level of eosinophils in the blood varies depending on childhood:

in infants up to one month of age - no more than 6%;
up to 12 months - no more than 5%;
from one year to three years of age - no more than 7%;
from three to six years - no more than 6%;
from six to twelve years - no more than 5%.

In children older than 12 years, the upper limit of eosinophils should not exceed 5% of the total number of leukocytes.

What are eosinophils

Deviations from the norm

Eosinophilic cells exceed the norm in the blood if the child has:

scarlet fever;
psoriasis;
vasculitis;
tuberculosis;
pneumonia;
hepatitis;
heart defects.

Deviations from the norm occur after severe burns, surgery to remove the spleen, as well as as a result of taking antibiotics and hormonal drugs. The genetic factor also often causes a high level of leukocyte eosinophils in the blood.

Eosinophil abnormalities

Eosinophilia

An excess of eosinophils in the blood is called eosinophilia. There are the following types of pathology:

reactive eosinophilia. The level of cells is increased by no more than 15%.
moderate eosinophilia. The excess of the norm from the number of all leukocytes is no more than 20%.
high eosinophilia. The number of eosinophilic leukocytes is more than 20%.

With serious pathologies, the excess of the norm can be 50% or more.

Eosinophilia has no characteristic symptoms, the clinical manifestations of the pathology depend on the disease that caused the changes in the blood. The child has a fever, heart failure, joint and muscle pain, weight loss, anemia, skin rashes.

Rash with eosinophilia

If a large number of eosinophilic cells are found in the analyzes of a child, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician. He will prescribe a urine test, scraping for eggs of worms, serological tests. If necessary, the doctor will refer the baby to an allergist and a dermatologist.

Important! If after the treatment they are elevated, it is recommended to undergo an examination to determine the level of immunoglobulin.

So, the main task of eosinophils is to neutralize pathogenic microorganisms, destroy the histamine produced during allergies. A high level of eosinophils indicates the presence in the child's body of diseases such as dermatitis, rubella, scarlet fever, asthma, and tuberculosis. The concentration of cells in the blood depends on the age of the child. In infants, an indicator of eight percent is allowed in relation to the rest of the leukocytes, and in older children it should not exceed five percent. With proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease that caused the cause of the increase in the level of cells in the blood, their indicator will soon return to normal.

Eosinophils are one of the constituents of white blood cells. This part of the white blood cells is responsible for the immediate binding and absorption of the pathogenic foreign protein. Eosinophils contain enzymes that can neutralize it.

How timely this process occurs depends on a sufficient number of cells. If there is a failure in their production, the body loses a significant part of its protection and becomes ill. This is especially undesirable for a child who is growing and needs reliable protection from ailments.

The role of eosinophils in the child's body

The cells owe their name to the ability to quickly absorb eosin, a dye that is used in laboratory diagnostics.

The bone marrow is responsible for the production and maturation of eosinophils. After completion of the formation of the cells, they are in the blood for several hours, then they are sent to the lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract - tissues and organs associated with the external environment.

Cells have the ability to:

Recognize pests. Eosinophils, together with neutrophils, instantly identify the stimulus, make their way to it and absorb it. Thus, the cells rid the body of pathogens by killing and digesting the foreign protein.
Protect. Eosinophils contain a biogenic compound - histamine, which helps to cope with allergies.

The normal content of eosinophils in the blood is the key to the rhythmic work of the body. Otherwise, the risk of developing pathologies is very high.

Eosinophils in children: the norm

Data on the specific gravity of eosinophils are contained in the leukocyte formula - a composite clinical blood test. The normal rate is the same for both boys and girls.

Sometimes the absolute number of eosinophils is counted; it reflects the number of cells in one milliliter of blood.

The optimal level of eosinophils in% gradually falls and after 16 years corresponds to the indicator set for adults. The lower limit of the norm does not change.

The absolute number of cells in babies is greater than in adults, since the total number of leukocytes is higher in them. With age, the normal number of eosinophils decreases. After the age of six, their complete absence is quite acceptable.

Eosinophil levels fluctuate throughout the day. This phenomenon is explained by the peculiarities of the work of the adrenal glands. At night, the content of eosinophils is the highest - it is one third higher than the average daily value.

The lowest level of eosinophils is recorded in the morning and evening: almost 20% lower than the average value per day.

In order for the results of the blood test to be correct, the test should be carried out in the morning and on an empty stomach.

Eosinophils in children: deviations from the norm

A blood test in a baby can fix two opposite conditions:

Eosinophilia - the content of eosinophils exceeds the normal value.
Eosinopenia - the specific gravity of the cells fell below the optimal value.

Both phenomena are undesirable and require a more detailed examination of the child.

Increase in eosinophils: causes

Eosinophilia is much more common. Its diagnostic value is quite significant, since cells are a type of leukocytes. So, they are responsible for the timely elimination of substances harmful to the body.

An increase in eosinophils is possible without the invasion of harmful microorganisms, for example, when in the baby's body:

There is a deficiency of magnesium.
Blood diseases and malignant neoplasms develop.

If an elevated level of eosinophils is recorded in an infant, then this may indicate:

the presence of intrauterine infection;
negative reaction to medications or components of cow's milk.

In older children, causes of eosinophilia may include:

Eosinopenia is fixed when the level of cells drops to a minimum value. This does not happen often and is not as important for diagnosis as the opposite phenomenon. But it is impossible to ignore the decrease in the level of eosinophils, since this may mean the presence of a serious pathology in the child.

Reduce the concentration of cells in the state:

Severe purulent infections, including sepsis.
Intoxication with heavy metals.
chronic stress.

It is worth remembering that the deviation of the level of eosinophils from the norm in most cases reflects the processes that occur inside, and is not an independent disease. Nevertheless, the composition of the blood in babies must be constantly monitored. And if deviations are found, be sure to consult a pediatrician for advice.